p0ppy’s p0nderings…

My note below is a combination of info from my personal opinions and from http://www.autismsociety-nc.org/ & http://www.ncae.org

The state is going to cut education and services because they are reluctant to generate revenue. I know times are tough but if we don’t act now they will only get worse!!!! Currently it looks like we are going to have regular education classes in the middle school at around 40 students each!!!

I think that parents and families MUST contact legislators to let them know that schools & mental health services are not areas that can be cut!!!!

As I sat in the general assembly today with about 60 or more other teachers, I looked around and have only begun to realize the difficult task that is at hand, to balance the state budget. However, shortly after we went to wait while the members went to caucus. While we waited, I was horrified to learn that the proposed $.25 tax on cigarettes was turned down as a way to generate revenue. While increasing class size and cutting critical mental health programs remains as viable options!

PLEASE!!!!
Take Action!

Most of the information below is from a news letter provided by ASNC.

1.Contact the House Appropriations Committee Chairs TODAY - See contact information below

Tell them jobs will be lost which will worsen our state’s economy

Tell them they need to raise taxes to protect schools, class size & services and supports for people with MH/DDD/SAS

2. Contact the Governor with the same message - the Governor’s phone number is 919- 733-4240

3. Contact your own legislators with the same message. Remind them that you are a voter in their district and you want them to raise taxes to prevent cuts to schools which will affect the class size and the education of ALL children as well as MH/DD/SA services. To find your legislator, click here http://ncleg.net/GIS/RandR07/Representation.html

4. Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper expressing your concern. Short personal stories are best.

5. Plan to attend the Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Day on June 17th to talk with your legislators on these issues. Details to follow.

Contact info for the Chairs of the Full House Appropriations Committee:

Rep. Mickey Michaux- Mickey.Michaux@ncleg.net - Durham County - 919.715.2528

Rep. Alma Adams - Alma.Adams@ncleg.net - Guilford County - 919.733.5902

Rep. Martha Alexander - Martha.Alexander@ncleg.net - Mecklenburg County - 919.733.5807

Rep. Jim Crawford - Phillip.Haire@ncleg.net - Jim.Crawford@ncleg.net - Granville - 919-733-5824

Rep. Phillip Haire - Phillip.Haire@ncleg.net - Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties - 919.715.3005

Rep. Maggie Jeffus - Maggie.Jeffus@ncleg.net - Guilford - 919.733.5191

Rep. Joe Tolson - Joe.Tolson@ncleg.net - Edgecombe, Wilson Counties - 919.715.3024

Rep. Douglas Young - Douglas.Yongue@ncleg.net - Hoke, Robeson, Scotland Counties - 919.733.5821